Dams in Kerala are famous for their beautiful architectural design and building component like brick, concrete, stone and also sometimes an unusual mixture of jaggery and quick lime as in the construction of a number of dams in the state. The state of Kerala is positioned in the south-west of peninsular India. It is in the region which is famously known as the Malabar Coast. This Indian state is having its borders as Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The state of Kerala is in the form of a very narrow piece of land positioned in the middle of the Arabian Sea to the west and the Western Ghats. The state is thus known for its natural beauty and here several dams are constructed to check the flow of water and also for the generation of hydroelectricity. The Banasura Sagar Dam impounds its waters in the Karamanathodu tributary of the Kabini River. The Banasura Sagar Dam is part of the Indian Banasurasagar Project started in 1979.

Malampuzha Dam is one of the major tourist attractions in the state of Kerala and also the largest reservoir of the state, situated in close proximity to Palakkad. The Malampuzha Dam is surrounded with the scenic hills of the Western Ghats in its background. The Chalakudy Dam is built across the Chalakudy River in the district of Thrissur in Kerala state. Also known as the Sholayar Dam, it lies at a distance of 65 kilometers to the east of Chalakudy town. Peechi Dam is a popular place for the arrangement of picnic, situated at a distance of 23 kilometers from the district of Thrissur. This dam project was initially built as an irrigation project but later also catered to the drinking water requirements of the region. Vazhani dam is one biggest dam of the Thrissur district, made purely of clay, mainly used for irrigation and drinking.

Located near Palakkad, the largest reservoir of Kerela, Malampuzha Dam is one of the tourist attraction spots of the state. The Dam is surrounded with the scenic hills of the Western Ghats in the background. The Malampuzha Dam is an arrangement of a masonry dam, which is 1,849 metres in length and an earthen dam that is 220 metres in length. The total height of this dam is 6,066 feet and crosses the River Malampuzha, which is a tributary of Bharathappuzha, the longest river of the state of Kerala. Extensive networks of two canal systems serve the reservoir of 42,090 hectares of this dam. The construction of the dam project was initiated in the year 1949 and was over by the year 1955. The total capacity of the reservoir of this dam is 8000 square meters of water and the total catchments area is 145 square kilometers. The canal systems supply water for the irrigation of the farm lands, while the reservoir takes care of the drinking water requirements of Palakkad and a number of other villages close to it.

Standing across the Cherukunnapuzha River, the Mangalam Dam was initially built for the purpose of providing irrigational water in the region. The River Cherukunnapuzha is a tributary of the River Mangalam. The construction work of the canal systems for the purpose of irrigation were over and started to function in the year 1966, in the Alathur taluk of the district of Palakkad in south Indian state of Kerala. The Mangalam Dam is constructed at a distance of 50 kilometers from Palakkad. The surrounding area of this dam is a renowned picnic spot. Mattupatti Dam is constructed near Munnar in Idukki District in Kerala. This dam is a storage stonework dam built in the mountains of Kerala, India to preserve water for hydroelectricity. Kundala Dam is a curved shaped dam with an artificial reservoir lying about 20 km from Munnar. The dam benefits the entire Kundala town. This is one of the most beautiful towns in the district of Idukki in the state of Kerala.

Parambikulam Dam is situated very close to the Udumalaipettai city in the state of Kerala. This dam in Kerala state is designed in the form of an embankment dam over the River Parambikulam in the district of Palakkad in the Western Ghats of Kerala. Walayar Dam stands across the Walayar River - a tributary of Kalpathipuzha River. This dam belongs to the Palakkad district of Kerala in South India. The Idukki Dam stands across the Periyar River, in the canyon lying between the Kuravan and Kurathi Hills in the southern Indian state of Kerala. The dam rises to an elevation of 167.68 meters and is one of the highest arch dams in Asia. The Parambikulam Dam in Kerala is well-known as one of the premium dams in India and also as one of the best embankment dams in the entire world in volume capacity as documented in the year 2000.

As per the agreement between the state of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, it was estimated that the state of Kerala would receive 7.25 TMC feet of water every year from the Parambikulam Aliyar Project and the Parambikulam Dam is an element of the Parambikulam Aliyar Project. In the year 2004, the state of Kerala did not receive any water until the month of February. Thus thousands of acres of paddy dried in Chittur taluk. The Parambikulam Aliyar Project agreement started functioning officially since the month of July 2006.

Another major dam in Kerala is the Mullaperiyar Dam which was constructed over the headwaters of the Periyar River in Kerala, India. The Periyar National Park, Thekkady is located in close proximity to the Periyar reservoir. The backwaters of this dam form this park. Neyyar Dam was established in 1958 in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, South India. A popular picnic spot, this dam has the southern low hills of the Western Ghats in its background. Siruvani Dam is constructed close to Coiampatoor and Kanjirapuzha dam in Kerela. The Kanjirapuzha Dam is a fascinating dam, enfolded by hills and situated about 38 kilometers from Palakkad. Meenkara Dam is built across the River Meenkara, which is a sub-tributary of Gayathripuzha. The dam is situated in the district of Palakkad in Kerala. The Chulliyar Dam is a place of amazing beauty and pleasure for the tourists and is located in Muthalamada Panchayat in Palakkad. This dam provides water to the villages and houses close to it. This amazing place of natural beauty is one of the major attractions in the state and the people living in this area have fishing as their most prominent occupation. This dam is filled with water round the year. It is surrounded by a beautiful groundnut, paddy and coconut fields.

Walayar is one of the small towns in the state of Kerala which lies in the border area between Tamil Nadu and Kerala on the national highway number 47, where the check post of sales tax is situated. The small town of Walayar has become known for the presence of the Sales Tax Check post which is one of the 10 biggest Indian check posts and also for the presence of Malabar Cements. The RTO Check post is also situated in Walayar, being the biggest in the state of Kerala. The Walayar hills are visible from the northern parts of the small town. One of the tributaries of the Kalpathipuzha River is the River Walayar. River Kalpathipuzha is one of the prominent tributaries of the River Bharathapuzha, which is also the second-longest river in the state of Kerala. Over this river the Walayar Dam was erected. The construction work of the dam was completed in the year 1964 and in the same year the dam also started to function. The water of Walayar Dam is the primary source of irrigation in the entire surrounding areas. Various industries have been settled in the nearby areas relying on the source of water of the Walayar Dam. Among the major industries, the MALABAR cement industry is one of the major industries in Kerala which depends on the Walayar Dam for its requirement of water daily. This dam is located at a distance of about 15 kilometers from Palakkad. The surrounding area of this dam is a suitable destination for family vacations and airport close to it is the C A Coimbatore Airport. There are other attractions close to this dam like the Deer Park and the Loknayak J P Smrithivanam. The water of this dam is mainly utilized for the irrigation of the nearby agricultural lands. A large reservoir area is possessed by this dam and it helps the people living close to it with their daily water requirements.

Among the major dams in Kerala, the Neyyar dam is the most striking one. The dam was constructed in the year 1958 in the district Thiruvananthapuram of Kerala in South India. The dam lies only 32 km east of Trivandrum. A popular picnic spot, this dam has the southern low hills of the Western Ghats in its background. Neyyar Dam has a beautiful lake in its catchment area. The dam was initially built for irrigation purpose. The Neyyar dam has adjacent forested areas, which also serves as a sanctuary. The wild life includes Gaur, Sambar Deer, Nilgiri Tahr, Sloth Bear, Jungle Cat, Nilgiri Langur and wild elephants. The nearest airport to Neyyar dam is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport and Thiruvananthapuram is the nearest railway station, lying at a distance of about 32 kilometers. Neyyar dam is included in the province of Kallikkad Panchayath of Neyyattinkara Taluk. The peak Agasthya Kooodam is a lovely spot, very close to the Neyyar dam. One canal of River Neyyar flows into the western districts of Tamil Nadu. The main river Neyyar flows across Kallikkadu, Aryancode, Marayamuttom Neyyattinkara, Ottasekharamangalam, Kezaroor, and Poovar. The river finally debouches at Arabian Sea. The major attractions at the Neyyar dam are the adjacent Lion safari park, Crocodile farm, Deer park, Miniature wild life sanctuary and Lake Garden where a large number of tourists visit from different parts of India and various other parts of the world. Facility for boating is also available of the tourists at the reservoir. There is also a large swimming pool within the limits of this dam. The watchtower offers a bird`s eye view of the river as well as the reservoir of the Neyyar dam.

Kerala also holds another dam by the mane of Kundala Dam. This is an artificial reservoir lying at a distance of about 20 kilometers from Munnar. The dam benefits the Kundala town. The charming Kundala town is located in the district of Idukki in the state of Kerala. The Kundala Dam is comparatively very small in size and is having a curved shape. A narrow road on the top of the dam offers a panoramic view of the catchments area of the Kundala Dam. There is boating facility for the visitors at the reservoir adjoined to the Kundala Dam. The major attractions close to this dam are the Kundala Lake and Aruvikkad Waterfall where people in large numbers visit. The nearest railway station to the Kundala Dam is the Kottayam railway station which is situated at a distance of about 114 km from the Kundala Dam. The Chalakudy dam is constructed across the Chalakudy River in the Thrissur district, within the state of Kerala. This is also known as the Sholayar Dam. The dam is situated at a distance of 65 kilometers to the east of Chalakudy town. Chalakudy is both a city as well as a municipality in India. Athirappilly lies thirty kilometres from Chalakudy, which falls on the way to waterfalls. This route is a well-known tourist destination, where two water theme parks are the major attractions. The name ‘Chalakudy’ is taken from the word ‘Shalakudy’ depicting a place where sacrifices were made. Tourists often visit this spot to enjoy the beauty of Athirappilly Water fall and Sholayar Dam, while on the way to Sholayar city.

The district of Thrissur in the state of Kerala holds the Vazhani dam which is one of the biggest dams in the state made purely of clay. The water of this dam is chiefly used for drinking and irrigation by the people of the area. The Vazhani dam is an integral source of water for the people of the Thrissur district. Several renovations are being made to the Vazhani dam, in order to make it a suitable place for the tourists to visit. This earthen dam is of a length of 792.48 metres which stands across the River Wadakkanchery. The Wadakkanchery town is situated at a distance of 10 kilometers from the Vazhani dam. Siruvani dam in Kerala is another major dam which is built in close proximity to Kanjirapuzha and Coiampatoor dam of the state. The site of the Siruvani Dam is at a distance of about 48 Kilometers from Palakkad and it is also of the same distance from the city of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Visiting Siruvani is a thrilling experience through the winding roads. The site of the dam is encircled by thick forests which possess different types of wild animals. The Chulliyar Dam is a charming spot for the tourists and is situated in Muthalamada panchayat in Palakkad. This dam was build across the tributary of Gayathripuzha River in 1960. The dam offers a superb view of Nelliyampathy Hills. The Gayathri Project possesses two storage reservoirs. One is the Chulliar dam over the River Chulliar and the other is the Meenkara dam over the River Meenakara. The River Meenakara and Chulliar are the tributaries of the River Bharathappuzha. A network of canal system is there in the Chittur taluk having an ayacut of 10,930 hectares of land.

Banasura Sagar Dam in Kerala impounds its waters in the Karamanathodu tributary of the River Kabini. The Banasura Sagar Dam in the state of Kerala is a part of the Indian Banasurasagar Project which was initiated in the year 1979. The project consists of a canal and a dam project. The main aim of the project is to support the Kakkayam Hydro electric power project and cater to the demands and requirements of the irrigation and drinking water in areas having the problem of water scarcity in seasonal dry periods.

The Banasura Sagar Dam is situated at a distance of about 21 kilometers from Kalpetta, in the district of Wayanad in Kerala in the Western Ghats. Banasura Sagar Dam is also famous as the largest earthen dam in India and the second largest earthen dam in Asia. The Banasura Sagar Dam is also the starting point for hikers and trekkers into the lap of scenic mountains. The site of the Banasura Sagar Dam is a major tourist attraction, which is being renovated with all kinds of amenities to facilitate the tourists. Amidst the reservoir of the Banasura Sagar Dam, there is a set of islands which were created as a result of the submerging of the nearby areas by the reservoir. One can get to enjoy a spectacular view of the islands as well as the Banasura hills formed around the background of the dam. The Banasura Sagar Dam is currently functioning while the Banasura Sagar Project is still to get completed.

Situated in the Palakkad District of Kerala, the Kanjirapuzha Dam is an attractive dam, enfolded by hills. The dam is located at a distance of about thirty eight kilometers from Palakkad. The water spread of the Kanjirapuzha Dam extends to a single stretch. There is an evergreen forest by the name of Vettilachola which lies just behind the reservoir of the Kanjirapuzha Dam. This forest is one of the major attractions in the state of Kerala where tourists from different parts of India and various other places visit frequently. One will get to see three islands in this reservoir which are well-known as the prominent attractions for the tourists. These three islands are the best places in the state to be visited in order to perceive the charming marine life which also include several commercial species grown by the department of fisheries. Another notable dam in Kerala is the Peechi Dam which is also one of the oldest dams in the state of Kerala. The site of this dam is a famous picnic spot. It is situated at a distance of 23 kilometers from Thrissur. The Peechi Dam project firstly came up as a project of irrigation, but afterwards the project catered to the drinking water requirements of the people living in the region. The reservoir of this dam provides boating facilities to the visitors, which encourages more number of tourists to visit this place to enjoy boating and the natural beauty of the surrounding. One can get to see wild tuskers on the forested grounds next to the River Manali. A portion of this forested land has become a wildlife sanctuary. The name of the wildlife sanctuary is the Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary which spreads over and area of 125 square kilometers. Frequent buses are available from the bus terminal of Thrissur to get to the wildlife sanctuary. The River Manali possesses a large catchment area of about 3200 acres with far-flung botanical gardens and whirling fountains, thus providing a very natural and attractive setting for the tourists. The Peechi-Vazhani Sanctuary is having dense vegetation with damp deciduous and semi-evergreen trees in the drainage basin of the Vazhani and Peechi dams. This sanctuary holds more than 50 different species of medicinal plants and orchids. Truly a preserver of the rarest of fauna and flora, the Peechi-Vazhani Sanctuary is admired by all. Trekking and boating are the major recreational activities which attract a large number of tourists to this place. Tigers, wild dogs and leopards, apart from spotted deer, barking deer and Sambar are found in this natural habitat.

The Idukki Dam in Kerala is constructed over the River Periyar, in the canyon lying between the Kuravan and Kurathi Hills in the southern Indian state of Kerala. The Idukki Dam rises to an elevation of 167.68 meters and is one of Asia`s highest arch dams. Idukki Dam started to generate power on the 4th of October 1975. Technically, the dam is a double curvature, concrete, parabolic and thin arc type. History narrates that Shri Kolumban, the head of `Araya` in the year 1922 showed the way to the Malankara Estate Superintendent along with his friend Thomas. Both of them were out for hunting in the forest which is the spot of the present Idukki Arch Dam. He told them about the legend of Kurathi and Kuravan Hills. Thomas was impressed by the sight of water flow between the mountains and the present Idukki Arch Dam was thus born in his mind. Afterwards, in the year 1932, Sri W.J.John of Malankara Estate put forth a report in front of the Government of Travancore on the likelihood of constructing a dam at Idukki for the purpose of Power Generation.

In 1947 Sir P.Joseph John, who was Chief Electrical Engineer to the Government of Travancore at that time made a preliminary investigation report. On Government`s request, the Central Water and Power Commission took up detailed investigation in 1956. The project report was prepared in 1961 and the Planning Commission sanctioned the implementation of the scheme in 1963 and the preliminary works of the project were started. The construction of this Dam commenced on 30 April 1969 and storage of water in Idukki reservoir commenced in February 1973. The inauguration of trial run of the first machine was celebrated on 4th October 1975. Hon. Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi commissioned Commercial operation of the Power Station on 12 February 1976. Construction of this Arch Dam and two other dams at Cheruthony and Kulamavu has created an artificial lake of 60 sq. kms width. The water stored of this lake is utilized for production of electricity at the unique Moolamattom Power house. This is located inside the rocky caves.

Dams in Kerala are not only meant for the generation of hydro electricity but they also serve the purpose of the water required for the irrigation of agricultural land. Water in the reservoirs of the Kerala dams also provides drinking water to the close by areas. Most of the sites of dams in the state of Kerala are favourable tourist destinations.